The Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, September 13, commended Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the creative and economic repositioning of its tourism assets, describing the State’s presentation at the ongoing 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market 2026 as impressive and purpose-driven.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu, who spent considerable time at the Ekiti State Stand at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, particularly congratulated the state for moving tourism promotion beyond mere sightseeing to economic empowerment, agriculture, enterprise, investment attraction, hospitality and destination marketing.

She also commended the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq., for his sustained efforts at marketing and projecting Ekiti as an emerging tourism and investment destination.

Earlier, while receiving the Lagos First Lady and other dignitaries at the stand, Ojo-Lanre explained that Ekiti’s participation at Akwaaba 2026 was built around Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s Agro-Tourism Development Initiative, captured in the destination proposition: Fly Ekiti; Farm Ekiti; Taste Ekiti, Stay and Explore Ekiti, and Invest in Ekiti.

He explained that the Ekiti stand was deliberately designed as a miniature representation of the State’s emerging agro-tourism economy, showcasing the entire journey from accessibility and agriculture to processing, hospitality, attractions and investment.

Under “Fly Ekiti,” the State is showcasing the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as a strategic gateway connecting tourism, agriculture, investment and commerce.

“Farm Ekiti” highlights the State’s agricultural transformation, particularly the Ekiti Cassava Revolution, Young Farmers Revolution, YSJ agricultural initiatives and other agricultural enterprises, demonstrating how farming can become both an economic activity and an experiential tourism product.

The exhibition further demonstrates the “Farm-to-Factory” value chain through Value Ingredients and other Made-in-Ekiti organic and processed food products, showing that agricultural produce cultivated in Ekiti can be processed, packaged and positioned for Nigerian and global consumption.

According to Ojo-Lanre, this is the essence of Ekiti’s agro-tourism proposition: the farm becomes an attraction, the factory becomes an experience, the food becomes a cultural product, and the entire value chain creates jobs, businesses and investment opportunities.

Under “Stay and Explore Ekiti,” the stand promotes the State’s rich collection of natural, historical, religious, cultural and hospitality assets, including Arinta Waterfalls, Ugele Hills, Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ekiti’s historic first Catholic mission heritage, festivals and cultural traditions, alongside hospitality facilities such as TAJ Suites and Davies Travel Lodge.

The final component, “Invest in Ekiti,” is being driven in partnership with the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), providing prospective investors with a direct pathway from tourism discovery to concrete business and investment opportunities in the State.

Ojo-Lanre said the philosophy behind the exhibition is that tourism must not exist in isolation.

“When you fly into Ekiti, you should see our farms. When you see our farms, you should experience how our produce moves from farm to factory. You should taste what Ekiti produces, stay in Ekiti, explore our waterfalls, hills, resorts, religious and cultural heritage—and, ultimately, see reasons to invest in Ekiti.”

Also speaking after Ojo-Lanre’s presentation, the Founder of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Mr. Ikechi Uko, said Ekiti had consistently maintained a leading position in tourism activities through innovation, visibility and sustained destination promotion.

He noted that the State had remained proactive in tourism development and particularly acknowledged the passion with which Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has continued to guide and support the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.

Ekiti’s presence at Akwaaba 2026 therefore goes beyond exhibiting tourist attractions. It presents a deliberate economic proposition in which aviation brings the visitor, agriculture provides the experience, food tells the Ekiti story, hospitality keeps the visitor, attractions encourage exploration, while investment converts the visit into lasting economic value.